FRporscheman

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question. I'm broke right now, and this little project of a head gasket job on my mom's 944 has gotten out of hand in cost. I cleaned the block deck very well. I got the head resurfaced, full valve job, and new seals and guides. I got the head back and installed it with a new head gasket. I torqued it to the second step, 37ft lbs.

Long story short, I realized I have to take the head off again. What's the word on reusing this same head gasket? Perhaps I can use some copper head gasket spray on it when reusing it?

I could buy a new HG, and probably will for peace of mind, but I wanted to see what people think. I'd love to save the cash.

max_boost951

You should probably go ahead and replace it!!! Reusing is never a good idea!!

Van

You know how to take it apart... so reuse the one you have. You can always put a new one in later if this one doesn't work out.

KuHL 951

Since you only torqued it to 37 ft-lb and never had fluids in the engine or heat I wouldn't worry at all. If you had run it and it leaked that's a different story.

Mike C.

My guess is that it would be low risk to try and re-use it.

Mark944na86

My thoughts too.

Further, I think you should go ahead and try it just so we have a data point of whether or not this works. It's the rennlist way.

V2Rocket

it must be done...
FOR SCIENCE

AScholtes

I have done this on NA cars previously, but would not on a turbo car. I too like the idea of using some copper spray (the Mopar stuff they use on the SRT4's is top notch and they swear by it)

FRporscheman

Wow, OK then, I will reuse it. I'll definitely use copper spray. Will run-of-the-mill Permatex stuff work, or should I really go out of my way to find this Mopar stuff?

Thankfully this is an NA. Not that I'd WANT to do the job over again, but it was pretty straightforward. Thanks for the input guys.

AScholtes

I would be ok using the Permatex stuff, the Mopar stuff is likely just prepacked in an oem container from either Lock-tite, 3M or Permatex anyway...

SamGrant951

We pulled the head back off mine for some reason while installing a new gasket and my car is fine, even at 24psi

whalebird

I think the risk is in the crush of the aluminum ring at each cylinder. Thats already been crushed. Some engine builders will torque a head(and other components) in stages with a time interval. Meaning they will torque the first stage then wait...say a couple of hours, then the next stage, etc. Point being that the stressed induced from the bolts will homogenise and you'll get a more accurate application. Others may torque everything down, then loosen it and retorque it.
I'm not sure this pertains to your situation, but I would just be very deliberate upon the torquing sequence, allowing things to settle between the different stages.
I am NOT so sure that any chemicals will defy the physics taking place and be of any real benefit. Don't be liberal with rtv/adhesives as this will only make a mess...you certainly do not want RTV clogging the oil galley supplying the head with oil. I would'nt use anything myself.

schwank

Did it on my race car with no issues... don't remember why I had to pull the head back off but no problems to date.

944CS

you'll be fine re-using

944Ross

I think the question is whether the published torque values are still appropriate, because of the fire rings being already crushed? Schwank, did you stick with factory specs?